Are you interested in becoming a plumber? Whether you’re drawn to the steady pay, the satisfaction of solving real-world problems, or the chance to run your own business one day, plumbing can be a smart and rewarding path.
Whatever your reason for wanting to learn how to become a plumber, you’ll find the information you need within this guide to pursue a career as a licensed plumber.
What Is a Plumber?
A plumber installs, maintains, and repairs pipes that deal with water, gas, and waste. A plumber’s work isn’t just related to pipes. They also install fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines. In some situations, plumbers work alongside other construction workers.
What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber’s primary role is to install and maintain fixtures and piping systems. However, the exact duties of a plumber vary based on their specialties and responsibilities. Below is a list of tasks plumbers typically do each day.
Lay Pipe
Plumbers who specialize in pipelaying set and still piping needed for plumbing systems. Some of the piping they do is for storm drains and water mains. This work involves grading and digging trenches, setting the pipes in the trenches, and securing the pipes together.
Installations
Plumbers install plumbing systems, accessories, HVAC systems, and other residential appliances.
Remove Drain Obstructions
Perhaps what plumbers are most popularly known for is removing clogs and obstructions from waste and sewage drains. Plumbers have the equipment, knowledge, and skills needed to remove obstructions and prevent them from occurring again.
Providing Diagnosis and Estimating Repair Costs
Sometimes, you aren’t aware of what your plumbing problems are or how extensive they may be. Plumbers provide on-site diagnosis and estimated repair costs. This gives you an idea of what is wrong with your pipes and how much time and effort it will take to make the repairs.
Essential Plumber Skills
Physical Fitness and Dexterity
Plumbers work with pipes—usually in tight spaces. They have to be strong enough to hold up pipes, toilets, and other appliances, as well as hold them steady. Dexterity is needed to use small tools.
Plumbing Installation, Troubleshooting, and Repair Skills
A plumber must have good skills in repairing, troubleshooting, and installation. This means making sure all the pieces of an installation are used properly, troubleshooting is done extensively, and repairs are done in a way that reduces the chances of damage happening again.
Problem-Solving Skills
Not every situation a plumber deals with is as simple as unclogging a drain. There are times when a plumber needs to come up with a solution to a plumbing problem that requires a bit of creativity and knowledge. Plumbers need to be quick on their feet and work in an efficient and timely manner to complete multiple jobs.
Interpersonal Skills
Plumbers work with different groups of people all the time. Plumbing issues can be complex, which means plumbers must have strong communication skills to explain the problem to their clients. Plumbers also have to explain how much they’ll be spending in the client’s home and how their work may inconvenience them until repairs are done.
Plumber Salaries and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for plumbers is projected to maintain a steady four percent rate through the year 2034, which is about as fast as average for all occupations.1 The median annual pay for plumbers as of 2024 is $62,970, or $30.27/hour; though location, experience, and specialized skills are all factors that play into the average salary for plumbing work.1
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
It may take a few years to become a plumber. This largely depends on your method of education and how you gain hands-on experience. If you’re approaching it by way of classroom instruction, you’ll enroll in a two-year vocational training program. Alternatively, you may gain experience through on-the-job training via an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs vary in length, but since they typically require 2,000 hours of paid training, they can take up to five years to complete.1
How to Become a Plumber: A Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a plumber can be a straightforward process. The plumbing trade is a career that can provide you with a stable, dependable income—without having to get a bachelor’s degree or earn certifications.
The process is straightforward, and you can start with just a high school diploma. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to become a plumber.
Step 1: Earn Your High School Diploma
A high school diploma is the first thing you need to become a plumber. You can also get a GED equivalent if you haven’t completed high school.
Step 2: Enroll in Trade School
Once you’ve earned your high school diploma or GED, you’ll be eligible to enroll in a trade school. These schools are structured, accelerated programs that offer the education and exam preparation to become a licensed plumber in as little as two years. Most states demand that you have some coursework under your belt to work as a professional plumber.1
The time you spend in the classroom varies, based on the courses you take and the rules of each state. In most cases, you’ll spend two years training, which is around half the time it takes to earn a university degree.
Step 3: Take Part in an Apprenticeship
An alternative to trade school is a plumbing apprenticeship. As an apprentice plumber, you’ll take traditional coursework while getting on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced plumber.
Most apprenticeship programs consist of 2,000 hours of on-the-job work and around 250 hours of classroom work.1
Step 4: Take Your Licensing Exam
The last step to becoming a plumber is to earn your plumbing license. The exam you have to take depends on where you plan to work. Some states require you to just take a written exam, but others require you to also demonstrate your practical skills.
After earning your license, you’ll be a journeyman plumber—or an entry-level plumber. Throughout your career, you can take a second exam to become a master plumber. Master plumbers can earn higher salaries and take on more complex jobs.
How to Become a Plumber in 2025
Plumbing is one of several trades you can pursue as a career that can offer a decent, dependable salary and that does not require a four-year degree.
While it can be a job that requires a lot of physical labor, the rewards of being a plumber include consistent work, the ability to charge your own rates, and even set your own hours. If you are looking for a good, stable career path, then plumbing may be the right fit for you.
How to Become a Plumber FAQ
What level of education is required to become a plumber?
You only need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to become a plumber.
How to train to become a plumber?
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Plumbers train through trade school, community college, or apprenticeships.
What does an apprentice plumber do?
Apprentice plumbers help install new fixtures and unclog and repair pipes.
Do you need a license to become a plumber?
Yes, and you need two to five years of experience before you can take your exam and earn your plumbing license.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
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